The Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital (NMCH) has announced its second instalment of a transformative healthcare initiative, VSD WEEK, for life-changing surgeries.
This has become the hospital’s flagship and dedicated campaign aimed at fast-tracking life-saving surgeries for children with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) following the success of the inaugural VSD Week, held in May 2024.
This initiative, which Momentum Health has supported, underscores NMCH’s commitment to addressing critical healthcare needs and reducing surgical backlogs in the public healthcare system.
Ventricular Septal Defect is a congenital heart condition characterised by a hole between the left and right ventricles of the heart. This defect can lead to severe complications, including abnormal blood flow, significant strain on the heart, pulmonary hypertension, recurrent lung infections, and poor weight gain. If left untreated, VSD can have life-threatening consequences, particularly for young children whose bodies are still developing.
Dr Sharmel Bhika of the NMCH says the launch of this second VSD WEEK comes at a critical time, as many children have been on extensive waiting lists within the state healthcare system.
Some of these delays which are months and sometimes years in the making put young lives at risk and place immense stress on families and parents.
“Every moment counts when it comes to treating VSD. Through this intensive week-long campaign, we aim to give these children the chance at a healthy life they so desperately need and deserve,” Dr Bhika says.
Dr Bhika is of the view that this instalment of the VSD WEEK builds upon the success of the initial initiative held in May 2024, during which NMCH, with the support from Momentum Health, performed 12 VSD surgeries over six days.
“The impact of that effort was profound, not only for the patients and their families but also for the healthcare system as a whole. By addressing these cases promptly, we’re not just saving lives today; we’re reducing the long-term burden on our healthcare infrastructure by preventing repeated hospitalisations for these children,” says Dr Bhika.
According to the hospital, each VSD surgery is a complex procedure requiring 90 minutes to two hours of surgical time, one-two hours for anaesthesia, a total of up to four hours in the operating theatre, and one-two days of post-operative care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
It has been reported that the success of these surgeries depends on a large, co-ordinated team of medical professionals, including cardiothoracic surgeons, anaesthesiologists, ICU physicians, perfusionists, and specialised nursing staff.
Dr Bhika says despite the lack of additional funding, NMCH is committed to covering the costs associated with VSD WEEK.
Each surgery costs approximately R60 000 in theatre consumables alone, with additional expenses for ICU care and other hospital services.
“We understand the financial challenges, but we believe in the importance of this initiative. These surgeries are life-changing, and we cannot allow funding constraints to delay care any further.”
Beyond the immediate benefits to patients, VSD Week is a platform to raise awareness about paediatric Cardiothoracic services and highlight them.
The Star